More Katrina Heroes In Mississippi

There used to be several nursing homes close to the beach along the Mississippi Coast. Many were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. But no residents lost their lives due to the storm. That is because of the heroic efforts of the staffs of the nursing homes.

The American Health Care Association, representing nursing homes and assisted living facilities nationwide, has recognized South Mississippi's health-care staff for their efforts during Hurricane Katrina, including safely evacuating hundreds of nursing-home residents.

Staff from regional facilities nominated health-care providers for honors. The awards were presented recently at the site of the destroyed Miramar Lodge in Pass Christian, which also was recognized.

Others recognized:

Glen Oaks Nursing Center, Lucedale: Linda Cochran.

Covenant Health & Rehab, Picayune: Crystal Roberts.

Dixie White House, Pass Christian: Perkela Burchett, Melody Felty, Joyce Hooks, Susan Dahl, Evelyn Murray, Shawanda Petty, Bonnie Venable, Margie Henderson, Lisa Lee, Thelma Williams, Katrina Campbell, Michelle Knight, Tom Lange.

Dunbar Village, Bay St. Louis: Teresita Lane, Sharon Powell, Gloria Moran, Roy Lain, Linda Warren, Chiquita Dorsey, Shelly Tillman, Linda Johnson.

River Chase Village, Gautier: Shirley Phillips, Elizabeth Rene Kennedy, Fred Ousley.

The Boyington, Gulfport: Sandra Harris, Paul Pulsifer, Sue Helms, Essie Hunter, Bobbie Terry, Barbara Stewart, Matt Johns, Christopher Malloy, Connie Newell, Jacqueline Burnett, Darla Bradley, Janet Ryan.

Greene Rural Health Center, Leakesville: Sunday McLeod.

Sunplex Subacute Center, Ocean Springs: Katrice Smith, Lorene Ahammer, RoShonda Colvin.Sunherald

Ordinary citizens doing extraordinary deeds and saving the lives of hundreds who were in the nursing homes. I am so proud of my fellow Mississippians who had the courage to respond so well to the crisis. If it weren't for their actions, we would have lost many more lives in Mississippi.

The staff of the Dixie White House Nursing Home has always held a special place in my heart. Several years ago, they lovingly took care of my brother's wife while she was dying from a rare brain disease.

It's so good to see all of these local heroes being recoginized.